Just as I was told by my study abroad advisor, I was on top of the world and overwhelmingly excited the first few weeks being here in Scotland.
This was the “honeymoon phase” of my transition into my life here in Scotland, and it ended abruptly.
Out of nowhere I suddenly became less excited and more homesick, craving my San Diego family and friends. However, this was just a phase, a mental hurdle I had to overcome by reminding myself why I am here.
Not many people get to say that they spent a year living and studying in Scotland, and this is most certainly the only time in my life I’ll be able to do something like this! It is such a unique opportunity that I have, so I am set on resisting those “grass is always greener” feelings and instead living completely in the moment.
I have done so many cool things since I’ve been here. Just this week I went to a Ceilidh, which is a traditional Scottish dance. It has been a long time since I laughed so much in one night. There was a live band, guys in their best kilts, and girls in their best dresses. It felt like the dances they taught us were engineered to make me confused and to make me feel much more inebriated than I actually was! Rapidly spinning and constantly switching partners will make anyone feel drunk.
All Scottish kids grow up going to Ceilidhs, so they know virtually all of the dances, but they were still very patient with me trying to catch on. It was truly one of the most fun, carefree nights I have had in a while!
I have also kept very busy with my ultimate Frisbee team. We had our second tournament this past weekend, and though it made me deathly ill playing in the wet, cold air, after a night out on the town with my team, it was totally worth it! Just like at SDSU, it is essential to get involved with something to have fun and be happy.
Next weekend my fall break starts, or “reading week” as they call it, and I’m getting on a plane to Norway! So random, right? It was not on my list of countries that I planned on visiting, but the more I research my trip, the more excited I am about going.
I will be staying with a friend of a friend for the three days I’m there. I plan on doing every touristy thing possible with my fellow SoCal travel companion! My next blog post will be dedicated to that trip.
Thank you for reading—remember to make the most of everything life throws your way. I will update you soon!
Nathaniel Geoghegan is earning a bachelor’s degree in English at San Diego State University. He is blogging from Stirling, Scotland for the 2015-2016 academic year.
The global experience, as told by SDSU students 